5N1279: Molly is a three-year-old girl who has been attending preschool since September Her pre-school teacher has raised concerns: Human Growth and Development Case Study, OC, Ireland

Molly is a three-year-old girl who has been attending preschool since September. Her pre-school teacher has raised concerns about her development. Her physical growth appears delayed and falls below the average expected for a child of her age. Her language development also appears delayed and her vocabulary is limited.

The pre-school teacher has also raised concerns about Molly’s interactions with the other children. She is withdrawn and has difficulty forming friendships. She finds it difficult to take instruction and correction and has a short attention span when working on table-top activities such as puzzles and jigsaws.

The family has recently moved to the area and Molly lives with her mother Amy and her eight-year-old brother David, in a hotel room since becoming homeless. They had previously lived happily for three years in a rented house on the other side of the city near extended family members.

When the landlord decided to sell the property they could not afford a house in the area due to rising rents. Amy separated from Molly’s father two years ago when he began drinking heavily and there is no formal access arrangement in place. He does not provide financial support and lives with his mother.

During term time the family is up at 7.00 am as David has to get a bus to school some distance away. Molly can’t eat breakfast as she feels sick on the bus. Molly usually eats a Pot Noodle or a bowl of cereal sitting on her bed.

They eat a lot of rolls, sandwiches and fast food.  On the hotel’s ground floor is a ‘play area’ but it is located beside a smoking area and there are no toys. Children are not allowed to play in the corridors and there is a no visitor policy.